Packing List Ideas for Traveling With Children

• The family pet may try to sneak into your luggage. dachshund in suitcase image by J. Nunnelly from Fotolia.com

  How to pack for a vacation or trip with a child depends on the age of the child, the time of year you are traveling, and where you are going. If you are staying with a friend or family, you may not need to bring as many toys and books as you would if you are staying at a hotel. Check the hotel's website; some family-friendly hotels have lending libraries with games, children's DVDs and books.

Packing List for Cold Weather

• If you are going to experience cold weather, you need to have a warm coat, mittens and a warm hat. These may seem obvious to people who live in cold weather and are traveling to ski, but many people in the south bring their families north for holiday trips. Kids also need warm pajamas and slippers, warm socks and sweaters, in addition to the usual items: underwear, pants and shirts. If you are staying at a hotel with a pool, bring a swim suit, cover up and flip flops. Rain and or snow boots may also be necessary.

Packing Tips for Warm Weather

• Once winter hits, you may long to take your kids somewhere warm. Be sure to bring a sun hat, lightweight pajamas, swim suit and cover up, and beach toys. Water shoes can double as sandals and protect little feet from sharp objects in the sand. Bring plenty of shorts and shirts, but add a lightweight jacket for cool evenings or over air-conditioned hotels.

Packing for Babies

• Packing for a trip with a baby can be the most complicated, no matter where you go. Figure on two outfits per day of the trip, unless you plan to do laundry. Bring jackets and sweaters of varying warmth, a sun hat and a warm hat and a crib sheet and blanket, which can help the baby sleep in a new place. Bring plenty of diapers and wipes if you are going to an island; prices here can be quite high. For flying, bring a change of clothes for both baby and parent, along with Ziploc bags for soiled clothes. Bring soft baby spoons for eating the baby food you bring, bottles and formula, and bibs. Keep baby entertained with infant toys, crayons and coloring books if he's old enough.